With age, cognitive and metabolic dysfunction increases, often coinciding. However, evidence suggests that consuming berries improves cognitive and metabolic health. A recent study found that strawberry consumption improved memory and mood in overweight people with mild cognitive decline.

Researchers recruited 34 overweight middle-aged adults with insulin resistance who reported mild cognitive decline. Half of the participants consumed a strawberry powder supplement daily for 12 weeks, while the other half consumed a placebo. Both groups abstained from all berry consumption throughout the study. The researchers assessed the participants' cognitive and metabolic functions and moods before and after the intervention.

They found that those who consumed the strawberry powder exhibited better memory function and fewer symptoms of depression than those who consumed the placebo. However, they did not show any improvements in metabolic function.

These findings suggest that strawberry supplementation improves cognitive function in middle-aged adults, potentially reducing the risk of dementia, but has little effect on metabolic function. The study’s authors attributed the lack of metabolic response to the relatively low dose and the study’s short duration.

Strawberries are rich in anthocyanins, a class of polyphenolic compounds that exert potent antidiabetic, anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-obesity effects in humans. Anthocyanins lend their characteristic blue, red, or purple hues to strawberries, blueberries, and other fruits and vegetables. Learn about other polyphenols in our overview article.

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